Finland funds the Higher Education Institutions Institutional Cooperation Instrument to support collaboration between higher education institutions in Finland and partner universities in developing countries. All subject areas are relevant. Grants will range from £300 thousand to £700 thousand, up to 80% of total project costs, for up to three years. The partner countries of highest priority are Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Somalia, Tanzania, and Zambia. However, the program is open to partners in additional low and middle-income countries (details are provided in the announcement). The deadline for submitting proposals is 04 October 2016. Link
South Asia
United States–India Science & Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF) — 7th Call for Proposals
The USISTEF announces its 7th competitive call for proposals to commercialize technologies for societal impact. Priority areas include health, education, agriculture, water, and others. Proposals must include at least one partner from each country, India and USA. Funding is up to Rs. 2.5 crores (approximately US$400 thousand) for projects that demonstrate a high potential to be commercial within 2-3 years. The bi-national teams can include incorporated companies; non-incorporated entities; and individuals or consortia from academic, government, and non-government R&D institutions. The deadline for proposals is 15 June 2016. Link
European Commission (EC) — Production of Quality Coffee in Nepal
The EC will fund technical assistance to help coffee growers and cooperatives in Nepal improve the value chain for Nepalese coffee. Activities should aim to raise the productivity of coffee plantations; introduce organic methods in coffee growing; strengthen farmers’ cooperatives and associations; and develop improved branding and marketing systems for coffee. Grants will be approximately €500 thousand. Eligibility for funding extends to nonprofit organizations in the EU, the European Economic Area, developing countries (including Nepal), and certain international organizations. Reference EuropeAid/152076/DD/ACT/NP. The deadline for proposals is 02 August 2016. Link